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Going Wild for Strawberries!

Original post made
by Jacqui Love Marshall, San Ramon,
on May 23, 2010

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruit around. And, no wonder, well-bred strawberries are mouth-wateringly aromatic, lusciously juicy to the bite, welcomingly bright in color and refreshingly sweet to the taste. When we're not eating them fresh, we're consuming the strawberry flavor in smoothies and milkshakes, jellies and jams, fruit juices and yoghurts, and in countless other products. Right now, strawberry season has arrived and it's time to eat up or shut up!

According to historical sources, the first strawberries were cultivated in the early 17th century, commonly known as the woodland strawberry. The garden strawberry  the species of ones we eat today -- was first bred in Brittany, France in 1740 as a hybrid of a North American variety, noted for its flavor, and a South American one, noted for its size. Today, there are over 20 named species of strawberry plants.

When shopping for strawberries, always ask the grocer or vendor to taste one as a sample. Look for strawberries that are plump, bright red in color and have fresh green caps.
Once you get them home, store strawberries loosely covered and unwashed in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor. Just before eating, rinse them with cool water.

My favorite way to enjoy strawberries is fresh without a thing, or to indulge more, dipped in sugar or honey. For a special delight, you can also double-dip them into sour cream and brown sugar. However, I've found that they don't last very long eaten those ways. To spread the joy a bit further, try one of these recipes with your friends and family. There are endless ways to enjoy strawberries. See how many new ways you can try this season!